Packaging label having a tear away spine

ABSTRACT

A removable tag or label for CD/DVD cases that includes a label having opposed portions which adhere to the CD/DVD case to prevent the case from opening. The label includes a removable spine defined along microperforations formed in the label. The spine is removable by tearing along the microperforations for permitting access to the CD/DVD case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/712,366, filed Nov. 13, 2003 which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to labels or tags for use withcontainers. Specifically, the present invention relates to a label ortag construction having a tear away spine for use with a container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Billions of Compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs or digitalvideo discs (DVDs) are sold each year. Typically, for individual retailsale, CDs/DVDs are packaged in containers or cases which protect theCD/DVD and provide product identification and promotional informationfor viewing by a prospective consumer. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,a CD container 10, also referred to as jewel box, typically has a lid 18and a base or body 11. The lid 18 is rotatable about a hinged end 12 andthe lid 18 contacts an opposed latched end 14 bridged by two adjacentends 16. Each end 16 is narrow, having parallel edges which separate theend 16 from opposed lid 18 and base 11 of the container 10. The CD/DVDstored in the container 10 is accessed by rotating a lid 18 to an openposition with respect to the rest of the container 10.

Packaging of the CD/DVD for individual retail sale typically includeslabels or tags 20 that are affixed to at least one of the parallel edges16 of the closed container 10. The labels 20 typically include twosegments 22 or flaps; one of the segments 22 is adhered to the lid 18and the other segment 22 is adhered to the base 11. A spine 24 islocated between the segments 22. The spine 24 may have an indicia area26 which can include information describing the contents of thecontainer 10, as well as corresponding bar code information. Optionally,the container 10 is then enclosed in a layer of shrink wrap material(not shown). The information in indicia area 26 not only permitsidentification by consumers of the contents of the container, but alsopermits retailers to monitor inventory by passing a bar code readeradjacent the information in indicia area 26.

After purchase of the CD/DVD by a consumer, the layer of shrink wrapmaterial, if present, has to be removed and the label, and morespecifically, the spine, must be removed to access the CD/DVD from thecontainer. Alternately, the spine can be torn along its entire length toaccess the CD/DVD from the container. However, this can be unsightly andmay cause the container to adhere to adjacent objects due to thepresence of adhesive that is applied to the label. Typically, a sharptool must be inserted along one end of the spine between the spine andthe container, which usually removes only small pieces of the spine witheach directed movement of the tool. Since these small pieces aretypically adhesive backed, they tend to adhere to the objects theycontact, and use of the sharp tool subjects the consumer to thepossibility of personal injury and damage to the container or theCD/DVD. This opening process can be an aggravating and time-consumingexperience for the consumer.

The problems associated with accessing a CD/DVD from a container due tothe affixed label or tag are not only well known, but unresolved, andcontinuously lampooned, especially within the music and computerindustries. Therefore, what is needed is a label or tag that iscompatible with existing manufacturing methods for applying similarlabels to containers for CDs or DVDs and that has a spine that is easilyremovable in a single piece, without a tool, while leaving remaininglabel portions with a clean, unobtrusive, professional appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a removable labelfor a container comprising a spine, at least one segment disposedadjacent to the spine, and the at least one segment being detachablyconnected to the spine along a predetermined path. As used herein, theterms tag and label are interchangeable. Upon the installation of thelabel on a container, the detachment of the at least one segment fromthe spine along the predetermined path permits a container to beadjusted between an open position and a closed position.

A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a removablelabel comprising a label including at least two segments having opposedfirst and second surfaces wherein an adhesive is applied to at least aportion of the first surface to adhere the label to a container having alid and a body with the lid being movable with respect to the body to anopen position and a closed position. Upon moving the lid to an openposition permits access to an item enclosed within the container, thelabel preventing the lid from being movable to an open position. Uponremoval of at least one segment of the at least two segments along apredetermined path formed in the label, the lid is movable to the openposition.

A still further embodiment of the present invention is directed to apackaging system comprising a container, a label attached to thecontainer, the label having a spine and at least one segment disposedadjacent to the spine. The at least one segment is detachably connectedto the spine along a predetermined path. Upon the installation of thelabel on a container, the detachment of the at least one segment fromthe spine along the predetermined path permits a container to beadjusted between an open position and a closed position.

One advantage of the label or tag of the present invention is that it isinexpensive to make.

Another advantage of the label or tag of the present invention is thatit permits removal of the spine in a single, contiguous piece withoutrequiring a tool.

A further advantage of the label or tag of the present invention is thatthe remaining portions of the label have a clean, unobtrusive,professional appearance which does not require removal of the remaininglabel portions, but which can be easily removed in one piece withoutadhesive residue, if desired.

A still further advantage of the label or tag of the present inventionis that the spine should be removable even if the CD/DVD is “on theshelf” for extended periods of time.

An additional advantage of the label or tag of the present invention isthat it provides tamper evidencing.

A further advantage of the label or tag of the present invention is thatit provides a means for imprinting information used by replicators,retailers and consumers.

A further advantage of the label or tag of the present invention is thatit resists embrittlement to function as intended with containers havingextended shelf lives.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following more detailed description of the preferredembodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings whichillustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a CD jewel box having a prior art labelor tag.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a CD jewel box having a label or tag ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an apparatus for producing the label ortag of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a roll of material showing the label ortag produced by the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a label or tag of the present invention.

FIG. 6 a partial enlarged view of a microperforation of region “A” takenfrom FIG. 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the labeled tag orlabel of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial elevation view of material being dispensedfrom a roll to form the label or tag of the present invention.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a removable or detachable label or tag 120for containers is shown. As used herein, the terms label and tag areinterchangeable. In one embodiment, label 120 is used to assist inmaintaining a container 110 in a closed position. Container 110typically includes a lid 118 and a base or body 111. Lid 118 isrotatable with respect to base 111 about a hinge 113, defining a hingedend 112, and with container 110 in a closed position, lid 118 contactsan opposed latched end 114. The hinged end 112 and latched end 114 ofthe container 110 are bridged by two adjacent, substantially parallel,side portions 116. The product, e.g., CD, DVD, video game, etc., whichis entirely enclosed within container 110 when lid 118 is in a closedposition, is accessed by rotating the lid 118 about hinge 113 away frombase 111 to an open position. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the container 110 is a container, such as a jewel box, for aCD, DVD or video game. However, it is to be understood that the label ortag of the present invention can be applied to any type of containerrequiring a removable label or tag, not necessarily only a rigidcontainer having a hinge or rotatable lid.

Typically, label 120 is affixed to at least one of the parallel sideportions 116 of the closed container 110. Label 120 preferably includesa pair of opposed segments 122 separated by a spine 124 which is definedby a pair of microperforations 128 formed in the label 120. Spine 124preferably has information indicating the contents of the container andbar code information. However, the spine may not include anyinformation. Preferably, spine 124 is placed over side portion 116 suchthat microperforations 128 substantially coincide with the edges orcorners of side portion 116, and segments or flaps 122 are placed intocontact with lid 118 and base 111, such as by folding the segments 122along the edges of side portion 116. Preferably, an adhesive layer isapplied to at least a portion of label 120 to maintain label 120 in thiscontact position with container 110. However, any method of affixinglabel 120 to the container 110, such as chemical treatment, heattreatment or fasteners known in the art, may be used which is compatiblewith the functioning of the label 120. The spine 124 also includes atleast one tab or extending portion 130 which extends from at least oneend of spine 124.

Upon grasping a tab or extending portion 130, and pulling away from sideportion 116, spine 124 tears substantially along microperforations 128so that spine 124 is easily removed in one contiguous piece. Uponremoval of spine 124, a seam 119 which defines the interface between lid118 and base 111 is unencumbered, permitting lid 118 to be rotated abouthinge 113 with respect to base 111 to an open position for access to theproduct or item housed therein. While the advantages of this inventionwill be described with reference to hinged containers, the teachings ofthe invention are generally applicable to any container on which thelabel may be placed to prevent access to an item contained within thecontainer, but to then provide improved access to the item within thecontainer upon the removal of the spine, and evidence of tampering withthe container if such access is unauthorized. Thus, a container is notrequired to have a lid, or be structurally rigid, so long as the labelfunctions as intended.

FIGS. 3-8 refer to a die assembly 210 for forming label 120 comprising abase roller or anvil 212 that is rotatably carried about axis 217 bybearing block 214. Preferably interposed between base roller 212 andbearing block 214 is a gear 216 that is fixed to base roller 212. Acutting die 218 adjacent base roller 212 includes at least one cutter238, and preferably a plurality of cutters 238, such as three, forforming the profile of label 120 in tape 206 from roll 200 (FIG. 4) thatis fed between cutter die 218 and base roller 212. Cutting die 218further includes at least one, and preferably at least two, die bearers224 for maintaining a desired spacing between base roller 212 andcutting die 218. Additionally, cutting die 218 includes a gear 222 thatis fixed to cutting die 218 for rotatably driving cutting die 218 aboutan axis 223 by meshing with gear 216 of base roller 212 which is drivenby a driving means (not shown). Cutting die 218 is rotatably carriedabout axis 223 by bearing block 220.

To control the spacing between base roller 212 and cutting die 218, aroller block 226 rotatably carries pressure rollers 228 which arebrought into contact with die bearers 224. The position of die block 226is controlled by a fixed pressure bridge 230 which is adapted tothreadedly receive at least one, and preferably at least two, pressurescrews 232. Pressure screws 232 are actuated with respect to pressurebridge 230 until ends 240 of pressure screw 232 contact roller block226. Pressure screws 232 exert radial forces on roller block 226, whichcauses pressure rollers 228 to likewise apply forces to die bearers 224which decreases the spacing or clearance between cutting die 218 andbase roller 212, that is identified in FIG. 3 as “CL.” When properlyadjusted, the height of cutters 238, or the amount of protrusion cutters238 radially outwardly extend from the surface of cutting die 218,identified in FIG. 3 as “CH” for cutter height, subtracted from spacingCL should substantially equal the thickness of carrier paper 202 of tape206 (FIGS. 4 and 8) so that cutters 238 cut the profile of label 120into film 204 of tape 206 of roll 200. This is stated symbolically inequation 1, where “T” is the thickness of carrier layer 202 (FIG. 8),although it is, of course, realized that cutters 238 may extend or cutpartially into carrier layer 202 without cutting through carrier layer202.CL−CH=T  [1]

To ensure the proper adjustment setting is maintained, a lock nut 234,having a handle 236 for ease of use, is actuated to forcefully abut locknut 234 against pressure bridge 230 to prevent pressure screw 232 fromactuating with respect to pressure bridge 230.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, label 120 comprises a layer of film material 204of preselected thickness for any material preferably having sufficientcross-directional tear properties so that the spine 124 tears alongmicroperforations 128, since it is highly preferred to maintain theorientation of label 120, and microperforations 128, with respect totape 206 (FIG. 4). Known film layer constructions have lacked sufficientcross-directional tear properties to permit removal of the spine in acontiguous piece. By maintaining this orientation, label 120 iscompatible with existing packaging equipment. A preferred label materialis polyethylene having a thickness of about 3.4 mils (0.0034 inches)with a backing or release layer of siliconized polyester with a siliconrelease coating, the release layer having a thickness of about 1 mil(0.001 inches). Although other label materials may be configured foruse, polyethylene material in combination with the sizedmicroperforations, which are described in further detail below, providesuperior results. Applicant has discovered that the preferred materialstill functions as desired, even when the product, that is, thecontainer housing an item to which the label is affixed, is subjected toan extended shelf life prior to opening the container. Stated anotherway, this combination of label material and microperforations isresistant to material embrittlement.

In the case of CD jewel boxes, microperforations 128 are separated by agap indicated by “G” which substantially corresponds to the distancebetween the edges of side portion 116 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). In thisarrangement, upon removal of spine 124 by tearing alongmicroperforations 128, the resulting edges of the segments 122 adjacentspine 124 which remain attached to container 10 are clean, unobtrusiveand have a professional appearance. In other words, it is not necessaryto remove the remaining segments 122 from container 10. In contrast,even specially configured tools which may be employed to open CDcontainers using prior art labels by introducing a slit in the spine, atbest, leave protruding flaps of spine material which typically cannot beremoved cleanly short of completely removing the label material.

Preferably, microperforations 128 comprise a series of spaced slits 132or cuts of uniform length between ties 134 of uniform length, which tiesare typically uncut lengths of label material. However, it is notnecessary that either slits 132 or ties 134 be of uniform length.Additionally, it is not necessary that slits 132 be formed entirelythrough the thickness of film 204, and that ties 134 may be of reducedthickness as compared to the thickness of film 204. In combination withthe polyethylene film label material previously discussed, themicroperforations 128 preferably includes slits 132 of about 34 mils(0.034 inches) separated by ties 134 of about 8 mils (0.008 inches). Toassist the tearing of spine 124 along microperforations 128, preferablyeach of a pair of junctions 140 located along microperforations 128adjacent tab 130 begin the microperforation sequence of alternatingslits 132 and ties 134 with a slit. In an alternate embodiment (notshown), tab 130 may protrude from each end of spine 124.

While one example of a material and microperforation configuration isprovided above, it may be possible that any preselected label thicknessmay be used. Additionally, the label may be of non-uniform thickness orhave multiple thicknesses, and for any material when combined withcompatibly configured microperforations, which may or may not besimilarly sized as previously discussed, may tear along themicroperforations. Stated another way, although a preferred embodimentidentifies a material thickness of 0.0034 inch, it is contemplated thatvirtually any label material thickness may be used with the presentinvention so long as the spine is removable as previously discussed.However, it is also realized that when the thickness of the labelreaches a certain thickness threshold dimension, such as about 0.25 inchor a predetermined ratio of the thickness of the label material to thethickness of the container such as about 0.25, reducing the number ofcontainers that may be placed inside a shipping or display area, suchmaterial thickness, while possible to achieve and contemplated by thepresent invention, may be commercially unfeasible.

Optionally, for a label having a single tab 130, substantially along theend of spine 124 opposite tab 130 is an extended tie 136, measuringabout 50 mils (0.050 inches) for the specific combination of materialand microperforations 128. Upon removing spine 124, as previouslydiscussed above, having extended tie 136, material from label segments122 adjacent the extended tie 136 does not sever cleanly, butplastically distorts at least a portion of the segments 122, providingevidence of tempering. It is also contemplated that this plasticallydistorted material may change color with respect to the label materialas applied onto the container, providing more pronounced visual evidenceof tampering. Of course, it is understood by those having skill in theart that once spine 124 is removed, it cannot be replaced.

Although primarily for manufacturing convenience, the outer edges oflabel segments 122 may include a nonlinear profile 123 or outermostedge, which permits more uniform material forming loads on the cuttingdies 218 during operation of die assembly 210. Referring back to FIG. 3,it is also contemplated that the arrangement of the cutters 238 alongthe cutting die 218 are not necessarily aligned, and, in fact, arepreferably angularly spaced to provide further uniform loading of thecutting die 218 during operation of die assembly 210.

Referring to FIG. 7, which is a label embodiment otherwise similar toFIG. 6, label 120 may also be configured to include a foil strip 138having unique holographic markings or other types of desired markings.

It is also understood that while a single embodiment identifying aparticular material, material thickness and microperforation or extendedtie has been discussed, any number of combinations of materials, rangeof material thicknesses and perforations may be employed that couldproduce spines that may be similarly removable. This includes thepossibility that the label material may be of non-uniform thickness ormultiple thicknesses, which may or may not affect the configuration of acompatible perforation. A label having multiple thicknesses includes,but is not limited to, any combination of the spine, segments and theperforations having different thicknesses. It is further understood thatin addition to microperforations being of non-uniform spacing, it isalso contemplated that the microperforations may be in combination withpartial crushing or compressing the label material, or exposure to heat,such as laser die cutting, or other localized treatment along themicroperforations or that the slits may not be oriented in-line with thegeneral direction of the microperforation. Additionally, it isunderstood that the cutting die includes magnetic dies havinginterchangeable formed sheets formed about the periphery of the magneticdie, and that the cutting die is not required to be cylindrical. It isalso understood that the slits may include cutout regions. In otherwords, label material may be removed from the label to form cutoutregions along the microperforation, and that the resulting geometry ofthe cutout regions could resemble any geometric shape.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A removable label for a container comprising: a spine; at least one segment disposed adjacent to the spine, the at least one segment being detachably connected to the spine along a predetermined path; wherein upon the installation of the label on a container, the detachment of the at least one segment from the spine along the predetermined path permits a container to be adjusted between an open position and a closed position.
 2. The removable label of claim 1 wherein the spine and at least one segment are polyethylene.
 3. The removable label of claim 2 wherein the polyethylene material is 0.0034 inch thick.
 4. The removable label of claim 1 wherein the predetermined path is defined by at least one perforation formed in the label.
 5. The removable label of claim 1 wherein the spine has at least one extending portion.
 6. The removable label of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of an edge of the at least one segment is nonlinear.
 7. The removable label of claim 1 wherein the spine and the at least one segment each have a preselected thickness used in combination with at least one perforation formed along the predetermined path to permit detachment of the at least one segment from the spine.
 8. The removable label of claim 7 wherein the preselected thickness of the spine and the at least one segment are not equal.
 9. The removable label of claim 4 wherein at least a portion of the at least one perforation is of uniform length.
 10. The removable label of claim 4 wherein the at least one perforation has a length of about 0.034 inches.
 11. The removable label of claim 4 wherein the predetermined path is defined by at least one tie formed in the label, the at least one tie has a length of about 0.008 inches.
 12. The removable label of claim 5 wherein removing the spine plastically distorts at least a portion of the at least one segment affixed to the container.
 13. A removable label comprising: a label including at least two segments having opposed first and second surfaces wherein an adhesive is applied to at least a portion of the first surface to adhere the label to a container having a lid and a body, the lid being movable with respect to the body to an open position and a closed position, wherein moving the lid to an open position permits access to an item enclosed within the container, the label preventing the lid from being movable to an open position; wherein upon removal of at least one segment of the at least two segments along a predetermined path formed in the label, the lid is movable to the open position.
 14. The removable label of claim 13 wherein the spine and the at least one segment each have a preselected thickness used in combination with at least one perforation formed along the predetermined path to permit detachment of the at least one segment from the spine.
 15. The removable label of claim 13 wherein the thickness of the spine and the at least one segment are not equal.
 16. The removable label of claim 13 wherein the container is a CD jewel box.
 17. The removable label of claim 13 wherein the container is a DVD container.
 18. The removable label of claim 13 wherein the predetermined path is defined by at least one perforation formed in the label.
 19. The removable label of claim 13 wherein the at least one removable segment has at least one extending portion.
 20. The removable label of claim 13 wherein at least a portion of outermost edges of the at least two segments is nonlinear.
 21. The removable label of claim 18 wherein at least a portion of the at least one perforation is of uniform length.
 22. The removable label of claim 18 wherein at least a portion of the at least one perforation has a length of about 0.034 inches.
 23. The removable label of claim 18 wherein the predetermined path is defined by at least one tie, the at least one tie has a length of about 0.008 inches.
 24. The removable label of claim 13 wherein removing the at least one removable segment plastically distorts at least a portion of the at least one segment adhered to the container.
 25. A packaging system comprising: a container; a label attached to the container, the label having a spine and at least one segment disposed adjacent to the spine, the at least one segment being detachably connected to the spine along a predetermined path; and wherein upon the installation of the label on a container, the detachment of the at least one segment from the spine along the predetermined path permits a container to be adjusted between an open position and a closed position.
 26. The packaging system of claim 25 wherein the spine and the at least one segment each have a preselected thickness used in combination with at least one perforation formed along the predetermined path to permit detachment of the at least one segment from the spine.
 27. The packaging system of claim 25 wherein the thickness of the spine and the at least one segment are not equal. 